‘KRISHNA’ MUSICAL DANCE DRAMA TAKES STAGE ON MAY 15 IN ORLANDO; MAY 16 IN TAMPA

PHOTO CREDIT: Balu Menon

“Krishna,” a musical dance drama in English, will take the stage in West Central Florida this month. Crafted for lovers of avant-garde and innovative with classical and Bollywood dances, the enchanting work is the brainchild of acclaimed Indian film actor, National Award winner and Bharata Natyam dancer Shobana. The musical portrays the tale of Krishna, his philosophy and why he is still beyond the understanding of man. The story of the eighth avatar of Vishnu is painted on a canvas stretching from Vrindavan to Mathura to Kurukshethra.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA IN PENSACOLA celebrates gift
The University of West Florida in Pensacola recently celebrated a transformational gift of $100,000 to UWF’s Clinical Lab Sciences program by Dr. Ranga Rao Krothapalli.

SHAAN JOINS LI’L CHAMPS ON MAY 29 IN BOCA RATON

Playback singer Shaan will perform with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs on Friday, May 29, in the South Florida area. Participating Li’L Champs include Gagan Gaonkar and Arunita Kanjilal. Also, joining them will be singer/performer Ambili Menon of the music reality show “Sunsilk Gang of Girls.”

GURUMAA MEDITATION RETREAT MAY 13-17 IN MELBOURNE

Terrorism, war and natural disasters are as much a part of daily life as weather forecasts and traffic alerts. Stress affects every aspect of our lives regardless of where we live in the world. In simple terms, our mind is connected to our body, thoughts directly affect our health. So, what can we do to manage external factors and continue to live full, joyous lives?

“Live consciously, be aware of your reactions to external and internal triggers. Practice managing your thoughts,” says contemporary mystic Anandmurti Gurumaa, who will present a Meditation Retreat May 13-17 in Melbourne. She has been guiding thousands of people around the world to live conscious, joyful lives despite stressful circumstances. Her message is beyond boundaries – she transcends gender, religious, political, geographic and material borders.

The retreat at Radisson Suite Hotel Oceanfront, 3101 N. Highway A1A, Melbourne, is presented by New Age Seer in Clearwater. Registration will be from noon to 2 p.m. on May 13 with sessions starting that afternoon. For registration or more information, call Jayam Iyer at (727) 709-2364, Lilly at (954) 801-7867 or visit www.gurumaa.com

ANURADHA PAUDWAL TO PERFORM MAY 22 IN FORT LAUDERDALE; MAY 23 IN ORLANDO AREA

Veteran singer Anuradha Paudwal, who has several Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer (“Utsav,” “Aashiqui,” “Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin” and “Beta”) to her credit, among other honors, will be touring Florida this month. She will perform Friday, May 22, at Nova Southeastern University, Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Organized by South Florida Hindu Temple, the concert will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For details, call Dilip Nersihan at (954) 494-9982, Ashu Kaul at (305) 766-3219 or visit www.sfht.org

The next day, May 23, Paudwal will perform from 6 p.m. at Winter Springs High School Auditorium, 130 Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs. About 500 people are expected to attend this fundraiser for the Hindu Society of Central Florida, said organizer Dr. Jogi Pattisapu. “We will use funds to beautify, maintain and improve our mandir,” he said. Tickets start at $25. For information, call Dr. Jogi Pattisapu at (407) 448-3197 or visit www.hindutempleorlando.org to purchase tickets.